Politics Lower benefits in Germany in future for many Ukrainians
Ukrainian refugees who came to Germany after April 1, 2025 are to receive lower benefits in future.
13.11.2025, 16:30
SDA
According to a draft bill submitted to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) in Berlin, they are to receive the same amount of money as asylum seekers - and no longer the basic income for those capable of earning called "Bürgergeld". The "Bild" newspaper first reported on the agreement between Christian Democrat Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Social Democrat Labor Minister Bärbel Bas.
Under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act, for example, the rate for single people is 441 euros (408 francs) per month, while the Citizens' Allowance is 563 euros. Overall, however, the savings on the one hand and additional expenditure on the other roughly balance each other out for the state, with the federal government reimbursing the federal states for the additional costs.
Job obligation planned
The Christian Democrats and Social Democrats had already agreed on this step in their coalition agreement. According to reports, the associated labor market regulations were still being negotiated: Anyone who is not in gainful employment but could be should be obliged to look for a job.
"In this way, the integration of refugees from Ukraine into work and into the host society is demanded," according to the draft law. In practice, it is reportedly intended that those affected will be able to look for a job themselves - or receive help from the employment agency. Sanctions should also be possible. According to government circles, the new regulation will be given the green light by the cabinet next week.
Skepticism among employment agencies
One possible motive for the change is the hoped-for increase in work incentives with less state support. However, the employment agency criticized the plans. There were fears of disadvantages in terms of integration: if people are no longer job center customers, it could become more difficult with language courses, qualifications or placement.
Most recently, around 700,000 Ukrainians were entitled to citizens' benefits, including around 200,000 children. Around 6.3 billion euros were paid out to Ukrainians in 2024. Last year, 461,000 people in Germany received benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
Almost 1.3 million refugees from Ukraine
According to the Institute for Employment Research, around 242,000 refugees from Ukraine were in work in Germany in the fourth quarter of 2024. Within one year, around 124,000 companies have hired at least one refugee from Ukraine. In October, there were around 1.26 million Ukrainian war refugees living in Germany, compared to 1.18 million a year earlier.
